JULY 2025 NEWSLETTER

Southeast Florida is already experiencing rising temperatures, sea levels, and more frequent extreme weather events. These changes are causing increased flooding, saltwater intrusion, and disruptions to natural ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves. The four-county Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact recently released a 2025 update of its Climate Indicators Report, developed in collaboration with local climate experts, academic researchers, and local government resilience staff. First established in 2016 and previously updated in 2020, the Climate Indicators Report provides the most current data and projections to guide planning, inform policy, and support regional climate resilience. The report helps practitioners, elected officials, and the public understand and respond to the evolving climate risks facing Southeast Florida.

OOR Director Megan Houston is excited to serve on Resource Depot’s Advisory Board. Resource Depot is a West Palm Beach nonprofit organization focused on upcycling materials through its emphasis on environmental awareness and channeling your artistic abilities. Learn more about creative reuse and upcoming events here!

On Tuesday, July 8, the PBC Board of County Commissioners proclaimed this month as “Plastic-Free July.” Commissioner Gregg K. Weiss, in partnership with the PBC Environmental Protection Cross-Departmental Team, presented this proclamation to encourage residents in the community to reduce or eliminate plastic use in July. By doing so, Palm Beach County joins the “Plastic-Free July” global movement led by the Plastic Free Foundation to work toward a greener future. This movement helps to keep our communities and environment clean as the County joins the international effort to reduce pollution and health risks associated with plastic. 

Internship Posting: Resilience and Sustainability Intern

OOR has an opening for a resilience and sustainability intern! Please see the details above. Click HERE to learn more.

As we continue through the summer months and prepare for an above-average hurricane season, it is important to acknowledge the risks of flooding in Palm Beach County and the important distinctions between a “flood watch” and a “flood warning.” A flood watch means that current conditions are favorable for flooding. A flood warning is when a flood is imminent or is occurring in an area.

See the following flood protection tips from the PBC Public Safety’s Emergency Management Division and stay safe during floods.

During a flood watch:

• Move furniture, valuables, and critical equipment to higher levels in your home
• Fill your car’s gas tank in case of evacuation
• Monitor local radio and TV stations
• Move your outdoor items indoors (ex. furniture)

During a flood warning:

• Listen for evacuation orders
• Don’t drive on flooded roads
• Obey curfews

To see the full list of tips, click HERE.

In June’s OOR newsletter, we shared information about the OOR Vulnerability Assessment (VA). In this assessment, we examine County areas prone to extreme weather events such as intense heat or flooding. The team modeled and mapped these future scenarios, which are available in an interactive GIS application, found HERE. If you need assistance on how to use the application, please click HERE for our virtual walkthrough!

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What Recent Catastrophes Can Teach Us About Community Resilience.

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Nature-Based Solutions are Essential to Advancing Climate Resilience

SAVE THE DATE: The 17^th Annual Southeast Florida Climate Leadership Summit

Location: Palm Beach County Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL

Date: December 16–17, 2025

Details: The 17th Annual Climate Leadership Summit, organized by the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact and hosted by Palm Beach County, is a key regional gathering that fosters the critical collaboration with regional and national leaders to address the climate crisis on a large scale. For more information, click here.

Upcycle Day 2025

Location: Resource Depot, 2508 Florida Ave, West Palm Beach, FL

Date: September 13, 2025

Details: Upcycle Day will feature four 90-minute workshops led by artists showcasing upcycled art and design. You will work in a small group during each workshop and work alongside the artist hosting the session! For more information, click here.

2025 South Florida GIS Expo

Location: Palm Beach County Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL

Date: August 21—22, 2025

Details: This annual conference fosters space for members of the Geographic Information System (GIS) community to train, collaborate, and network! You do not need to have experience in GIS to attend this free event. For more information, click here.

ARTICLES/BOOKS

REPORTS

Annual PBC Florida Master Naturalist Coastal Systems Course

The registration for the Annual PBC Florida Master Naturalist Coastal Systems Course is now open. If you are interested in ecology, environmental studies, and conservation efforts of Florida coastal systems, this may be a great opportunity for you! This course runs from August 13^th to September 9^th and includes 40 contact hours, in-person field trips, and classroom learning. To review the schedule and register, click HERE.

Retrofit Playbook for Large Buildings

Want to learn how to design and maintain resilient buildings with a lower carbon footprint? Check out Retrofit Playbook for Large Buildings; they have great practices, case studies, and tools that go over how this can be accomplished! Click HERE to learn more.

EV Charging Consultations

Looking for free EV charging consultations? Check out this flyer!